UARA STARS News

Marty Ward captures UARA STARS Race Fumes 150 presented

by Brian Weber Associates at Greenville Pickens Speedway

Greenville, SC (May 14) – Marty Ward became the fifth different winner in 2006 Saturday night in a “wreck fest’’, Race Fumes 150 presented by Brian Weber Associates at Greenville Pickens Speedway.

Ward used patients and experience to win his first UARA STARS race and by doing so was able to pass SUNOCO Pole setter Brandon McCarson with ten laps remaining and went to put his Tommy Norris Ford Fusion in victory lane.

Thirty three cars made the trip to Greenville Pickens for the first UARA STARS race at the famed ½ mile speedway. It would be an all Greenville Pickens Speedway front row with McCarson claiming the SUNOCO Pole over Ward.

After the first two divisions finished their races fans could only wonder if the full moon hanging just off turn three would play a roll in the Race Fumes 150 and it didn’t take long for the action to get started, as the field headed into turn one a multi car pile up on the front straight took out the cars of Matt Lassiter, Roger Powell, Josh Hale, and Wade Day. This would be the first of eleven cautions and would also be the longest race in UARA STARS History.

Things didn’t get any better when the field returned to green on lap eight, Ross Furr and Barry Andrews got together going down the back straight ending Furr’s night and collecting Zeke Shell who’s scary ride that took the car into the wall and catch fence while sliding on the drivers side down the back straight. All the drivers were able to walk away unharmed.

The drivers got settled in for about fifteen laps, when Clay Jones and Roger Lee Newton came together down the back straight under the full moon and the results would end the night for both drivers.

McCarson was able to stay out front of all this excitement and at times would build a slight cushion over Ward. Ward was able to make a charge around lap 110 but NASCAR Crew Chief Lee McCall radioed Ward and told him to save his tires. “The car was great all night, we had come over here last week and made some long runs, Lee just keep telling me to save the tires and be patient. I listened, then Brandon started to slip and with ten to go we took advantage and went on to win. I want to think Lee, Tommy Morris my car owner, Wife and crew for all their hard work. It really paid off, we have ran a lot of these races and these guys are tough to beat. Everything just come together tonight.” Commented an elated Ward in victory lane.

Scooter Hillis was the man on a mission; Hillis lost an engine in the last practice session but borrowed a motor from Jamie Yelton. The team worked all the way up to race time getting the power plant in the car. Hillis was also involved in the first lap accident but the team keep him on  the lead lap and was able to come away with a eighth place finish earning him the UARA STARS Hard Charger and the Holley Performance Performer of the race.

It was a night for the Melling Select Rookies; four of top ten finishers were Rookies. Lucas Ransone came away with the Rookie is the race for the first time in 2006 with a solid sixth place finish. Hillis was eighth followed by Barry Andrews, and KC Cunningham.

STARS points leader Kyle Grissom continued his charge to the title with a fifth palce finish. Brandon Ward had mechnical problems and Jamie Yelton was involved in a wreck that would have him finishing a disappointing finish.

RA Brown one of the most consitatant racers came away with a strong forth place finish.

UARA STARS return to action this Saturday night at Orange County Speedway with race time at 7:00.

For More information please contact UARA at 828-692-3833. www.uara-stars.com, www.tracksidetalk.com

Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you will land among the STARS